Molly's+letter

April 30 1865 Dear family,

Do not worry I should make it home soon. Have you heard about the steamboat sultana explosion? I was unfortunately on that ship. But I was not on it like a few others during the explosion.

The water was freezing. The hot coals flew everywhere! I was hurled off before the deck caught fire. Some did not survive because there were no life boats and life vests on the ship and they were to weak to swim. I survived but I broke my arm and hurt my knee. I should be okay. I am in the hospital right now. I am told by my doctor that I will be on crutches for a long time. My head feels fuzzy from the explosion. The explosion was rough on a lot of people. Not on me I am not hurt as bad as some of my friends. The boat by law was only supposed to hold 376 people but it held 6 times as many people. I hope you are okay! I am trying to come home as soon as I can. I miss you and hope you can forgive me from all of the confusion.

Love, Molly

Dear Molly, I'm so happy to hear from you. Just seeing this letter made me so happy. Before I saw this letter, I was so worried about you. I'm was so grateful to hear from you. The children were worried sick. We miss you so much. Now, I'm so worried about you, your broken arm, knee, and head. Are you okay?

I can't believe that they held 6 times as many people on the boat! No wonder there was an explosion. Also, why were there know life boats and life jackets? That's just horrible! It's so sad, the people who survived the war, died on the boat going home. What could be worse than that? Next time, they should listen to the rules by only having 376 people. It's okay to have 1 extra person on the boat, not 6 times as many people. Why would the owner of the boat and the captain do that? Probably because they'll get more money for putting more people on the boat.

How are you feeling? You're probably in alot of pain if you're in the hospital. How is your head? It must feel better by now. If it's still fuzzy by the time you come home, then I'm taking you to a doctor. It's never going to be the same with you on crutches but I think we can manage.We miss you so much and can't wait until you come home.

Xoxo, Your family